Real Refreshment from Living Water

Winter is kicking in – the leaves are dancing through the air as the cold wind slowly moves south and replaces the hot humid days with dry cold that chills the bones of this Mama heart. I would be lying if I didn’t say part of me dreads it.

Part of me dreads the winter ahead. With winter comes more time inside, more colds, possible flu and then cabin fever.

I could easily let my heart stay here – rest in this place of being discontent and worrying about what the cold weather of winter will bring with it. Or, I can keep my eyes fixed on God knowing that He provides all that I need. I can change my thought process and know that this is a time to slow down, relax and enjoy my children more. And it’s also a time of renewal in many ways.

A new year gives everyone a chance to refresh and renew. For me, I will spend two weekends away from my family being filled with the living water. While I don’t like spending time away from my children (this time of their lives passes too quickly), I could not say NO when Real Refreshment invited me to spend a weekend with them in Atlanta and Baltimore this year. To say that I’m beyond humbled is an understatement. To say I’m very excited – well, that doesn’t do it justice either.

It is so important for every Mom to seek a time of refreshment in God’s word. We tend to think we can be super mom and not take time away – we think we are selling our family short, when in fact, we need to be like Jesus. Jesus knew when to take time and seek quiet away from his disciples and those who sought to hear him and be healed by him.

That is what Real Refreshment has become for me. A time to truly step away, seek God, spend time in prayer and fellowship with other Moms and be encouraged by others who have walked this journey longer than I have.

I am looking forward to hearing my friends Jeannie, Heidi, Sherri and Rachael Carman speak. Each of these women have special places in my heart and I am so blessed by the many ways they humbly speak truth without perfection into the hearts of so many women around the world.

When I met each of these women I felt that I wasn’t worthy to talk with them. However,now that I have had time to listen to them speak and have spent time talking with them, I have discovered a new sense of sisterhood – one that does not expect or exude perfection, but simply sits at the cross together – sharing life, encouraging and equipping….

This year, Real Refreshment will encourage women to partake of the Living Water. Oh, how I need that – do you?

“Are you conscious also that you are barren, like the dry ground; that you are not bringing forth the fruit for God which he has a right to expect from you; that you are not as useful int he church or int he world, as your heart desire to be? Then here is exactly the promise which you need, “I will pour water upon him who is thirsty.” You shall receive the grace you so much require, and you shall have it to the uttermost reach of your needs. Water refreshes the thirsty: you shall be refreshed; your desires shall be gratified. Water quickens sleeping vegetable life: your life shall be quickened by fresh grace. Water swells the buds and makes the fruits ripen; you shall have fructifying grace: you shall be made fruitful in the ways of God”

I pray you will join me at Real Refreshment and drink deep of the Living Water these women want to provide to you, as we all sit at the throne of God and allow Him to fill us…

Please note, this post contains affiliate links. See disclosure for full information

Rebecca,
I just got home from the Refreshment Retreat in Atlanta. I just needed to tell you that your story moved me and spoke to my heart. Wow! Thank You for letting the Lord move you into speaking this weekend. I know you were nervous but with the Lord all things are possible! Amen!